News Flash

In response to California’s ongoing drought conditions, the State Water Resources Control Board recently adopted emergency drought regulations that direct all water agencies to implement additional water conservation measures.  Padre Dam has implemented demand reduction actions in our Level 2 drought condition to meet these state guidelines. 
 
Level 2 Restriction include the following: 

• Landscape water is limited to three (3) days per week – customers may choose which three days work best for them 
• Limit landscape watering 10 minute per water day irrigation with sprayheads and hand watering. Customers using drip/micro irrigation, stream rotors, rotating nozzles or a weather-based irrigation controller do not have a 10 minute limit. 
• Limit Landscape irrigation to before 10am and after 6pm
• Repair all leaks within 72 hours of notification by the District.
• Restrict water use for decorative water features to recirculated water only and use recycled water when available

The state also banned watering of decorative lawns at commercial, industrial and institutional properties, including homeowner association common areas. This does not apply to residential lawns, sports fields, school fields or areas regularly used for human recreational purposes or for civic or community events.

 Permanent Water Use Efficiency Measures
 In addition to the new level 2 restrictions Padre Dam has permanent mandatory water restrictions in place year-round. These restrictions are designed to promote water efficiency as a permanent way of life in San Diego County.  

1. Stop washing down paved surfaces, including but not limited to sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, tennis courts, or patios, except when it is necessary to alleviate safety or sanitation hazards.
2. Stop water waste resulting from inefficient landscape irrigation, such as runoff, low head drainage, or overspray, etc. Similarly, stop water flows onto non-targeted areas, such as adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, hardscapes, roadways, or structures. Irrigation runoff is prohibited.
3. Irrigate residential and commercial landscape before 10 am and after 6 pm only.
4. Do not irrigate while it is raining and within 48 hours after it rains.
5. Use a hand-held hose equipped with a positive shut-off nozzle or bucket to water landscaped areas, including trees and shrubs located on residential and commercial properties that are not irrigated by a landscape irrigation system.
6. Irrigate nursery and commercial grower’s products before 10 am and after 6 pm only. Watering is permitted at any time with a hand-held hose equipped with a positive shut-off nozzle, a bucket, or when a drip/micro-irrigation system/equipment is used. Irrigation of nursery propagation beds is permitted at any time. Watering of livestock is permitted at any time.
7. Use re-circulated or recycled water to operate ornamental fountains, ponds and similar decorative water features.
8. Wash vehicles using a bucket and a hand-held hose with positive shut-off nozzle, mobile high pressure/low volume wash system, or at a commercial site that re-circulates (reclaims) water on-site. Boats and boat engines may be washed down immediately after use using a bucket or hand-held hose with positive shutoff nozzle. Runoff is prohibited.
9. Serve and refill water in restaurants and all other food service establishments only upon request.
10. Offer guests in hotels, motels, and other commercial lodging establishments the option of not laundering towels and linens daily and prominently display notice of this option in every guestroom.
11. Repair all water leaks within five days of notification by Padre Dam unless other arrangements are made with the CEO/General Manager. Severe water leaks must be stopped immediately.
12. Use recycled or non-potable water for construction purposes, such as dust control and soil compaction, when available and required by Padre Dam. 

Rebates and Incentives
 
 WaterSmart SD – Available to all Padre Dam customers
 This program offers a variety of rebates and incentives to customers. See residential, commercial and agricultural rebates and incentives including landscape classes, rebates for landscape and free audits.
 
Customer Water Audits – Available to all customers
A WaterSmart Checkup is your free opportunity to receive site-specific water-saving recommendations. You’ll benefit from the perspective of our certified irrigation professionals. And you decide if and when to implement the suggestions. 

County of San Diego Waterscape Rebate Program – Available to customers in Unincorporated Areas
 Residential and agricultural rebates such as rain gutters, cisterns, turf replacement and permeable pavement.

 Report Water Waste
Do you notice water being wasted, such as irrigation water running down the street, broken or misdirected sprinklers watering pavement or watering in the middle of the day? Customers can report water waste by submitting a description of the water waste to water@padre.org.